Most leaders think that telling people the truth makes that leader vulnerable - either to the public or their opponents. They are wrong.

"The most important part of telling the truth is that it actually binds you to people," explains Seidman, "because when you trust people with the truth, they trust you back." Obfuscation from leaders just gives citizens another problem - more haze - to sort through. "Trusting people with the truth is like giving them a solid floor," adds Seidman. "It compels action. When you are anchored in shared truth, you start to solve problems together. It's the beginning of coming up with a better path."

Feels like onstage advice too. That telling the truth will get people to trust you and take your side.